My younger sister worked for a children's clothing manufacturer in the garment district as a receptionist after a couple of semesters in college. The small company was run by an Orthodox Jewish family and they made clothing items for Disney among others. My niece received an embroidered sweater with each of the Disney princesses over the course of my sister's career with the company.
The garment district is a stone's throw from the main post office in Manhattan, and one day at lunch my sister went to pick a Santa letter.
Santa letters are available to individuals so they can make a Christmas dream come true. The letter my sister picked was from a pre-teen girl. She wrote that after her mom died, her dad was really struggling to keep the family going. She told Santa she wanted nothing for herself, but asked only that he get a coat for her little sister- it was a luxury her father could not provide.
My sister teared up reading the letter, and returned to work with misty eyes. When her co-workers and employers inquired, she shared the young girl's simple letter. Everyone wanted to pitch in, and soon they amassed a wardrobe for both girls. The owners added their own choices, and the company paid the postage.
Often over the years, I have thought back to what it must have been like for this simple family, when the giant box of brand new stylish clothing arrived... A new coat for each girl and so much more. Disney sweaters, pants and tops for school...I imagine the squeals as each new item was examined, the fashion show as everything was tried on...the delight...
The dad contacted my sister to thank everyone, and she said he was so choked up he could hardly speak. It was that family's Christmas miracle. And it was a Christmas gift even to those who did not celebrate the holiday. The gift of giving to those in need transcends all other considerations.
Blessed is the season which engages the whole world in a conspiracy of love! ~Hamilton Wright Mabie
Merry Christmas.
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